The Enchanted Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Trip

"The natural history of these islands is eminently curious," wrote Charles Darwin of the Galápagos.

The Galápagos—“the Enchanted Islands”—is a world class destination!  This extremely diverse ecosystem—from lush rainforests, to deserts, to volcanic lava flows—provide a haven for wildlife of all kinds.  In fact, this treasure chest has a full 50 percent of its species found nowhere else.  And the magic is, they are approachable by humans.  Animals do not run off and birds do not fly away, due to their isolation from natural predators.  Especially unusual is the three-foot-long vegetarian marine iguana, the only known sea-feeding lizard on earth.  The Galápagos tortoise grows to six feet in length, weighs up to 600 pounds, and lives up to 150 years!  The archipelago also boasts colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea lions, land iguanas, and lava lizards.  A prolific bird population includes frigate birds, penguins, boobies, tropicbirds, mocking birds, doves, albatross, hawks, gulls, cormorants, herons, warblers, flamingos, and the world famous Darwin finches.

Darwin, of course, was the archipelago’s most famous visitor.  He had sufficient material to support more than a quarter century of research.  When he published the classic “The Origin of Species” it shook the foundations of biological thought and led to profound changes in man’s philosophy of nature.  We will visit the Darwin Research Center on the island of Santa Cruz, where we will be staying a few days.  Darwin wasn’t the only one to find inspiration in the Galápagos.  During the whaling era, Herman Melville made landfall here, and he perpetuated the sailor’s nickname: “The Enchanted Isles." The swirling fogs that surround the islands at certain times of the year give rise to the legend that these were floating islands.

We will be visiting both inhabited and uninhabited Islands in the Galápagos. By taking “fast boats” between some Islands, sometimes you can spot sea life such as sea birds, dolphins, sea turtles, rays, sea lions—maybe even a whale.  We will also experience a flight between two of the islands. As much of the unique life of the Galápagos is below water, the opportunity to snorkel a few times to get a close look at the marine life will be a highlight.  On land, we will observe the sere landscape with its fascinating geologic features, walk through a lava tunnel, stroll in tropical rainforests, visit an active volcano, hike to the world’s second largest caldera, do some other hiking, birding, or lull around at the beach.  Our days will be filled with activity but you'll also have the freedom to just relax. An English-speaking certified Galápagos naturalist will accompany us and help us understand the amazing relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment.

On our visits to Quito (a World Heritage Site) and Guayaquil (Ecuador’s largest city and sea port), English speaking guides will accompany us.  Guayaquil was named by the United Nations a few years ago as the most improved city in the world.  We will have a chance to see the sites Guayaquil has to offer.  In Quito, we tour the old colonial area, visit “Mitad del Mundo”—The Middle of the World—and stand on the equator!  If time permits, we will attend the National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua.  This program consists of cultural dances, not the kind of ballet that we are familiar with. This is a spectacular Ecuadorian experience.

Day 1: Arrive at Guayaquil, Ecuador’s major seaport. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel to relax and get a good night’s sleep. As most flights arrive late in the day, we will not meet as a group this evening.

Day 2: At breakfast we will get acquainted and have a short orientation meeting. Then we will begin our adventure with a tour of Guayaquil and a visit to the cocoa plantation and factory where we will learn about the production of chocolate and have the opportunity to purchase some. That evening, we will enjoy our welcome dinner.

Day 3: On to the Galápagos Islands! The flight to and from the Galápagos Islands is included in the trip price. Tickets for this flight will be issued to you at the Guayaquil Airport before we leave for the islands. We arrive at the Baltra airport and are met by our Certified Galápagos Naturalist Guide. We will take a short bus ride to the Highlands, a virtual cloud forest, to look for giant tortoises in the wild. We will enjoy lunch here. On our short walk through a rain forest environment, we might catch a glimpse of the spectacular vermillion flycatcher! On to check into our hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: On the move again! We will proceed to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest Island in the archipelago, via a fast boat. After hotel check in, we explore Puerto Villamil, situated along a stunning expanse of white beaches. We will visit the lovely gardens at the Giant Turtle Center (Amaldo Tupiza) where tortoises are protected in their early years before being released in the wild. We will take a short walk to a fantastic lagoon where it is not uncommon to see flamingos strut and marine iguanas pose.

Day 5: Today we visit two of Isabela’s six volcanos. At Volcano Sierra Negra, we will view the world’s second-largest intact caldera. This day is our most difficult hike of the trip. Our elevation gain is only 1,000 foot, but we do go over some rocky terrain and dirt sections. We take it slowly and discuss the birds, flora, and fauna along the way. Once on the top, enjoy your picnic lunch. Then on to Volcano Chico; we can tell it is an active volcano as we observe the fumaroles. The landscape changes dramatically in the short distance between the two volcanos. We return to Puerto Villamil after this accomplishment and enjoy dinner.

Day 6: At Cabo Rosa, we will snorkel to observe the diverse marine life and see lava tunnels in the water. This is a good spot to look for the unique flightless cormorant, sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins! In the afternoon, we have several options. This is a free afternoon. You can enjoy our fabulous hotel on the water front and go for a swim there, read a book, or walk to “town” and interact with the local people. Those ambitious may want to walk to CONCHA Y PERLA via a wooden pathway. In the mangroves and rocks there is a small colony of sea lions who use the place to rest. You can pick your activity (or no activity) at the time. This is our last night on Isabella Island, and everyone loves the flexible afternoon here.

Day 7: After breakfast, we return to Santa Cruz Island, get settled back in our hotel. After lunch will walk to Tortuga Bay, only accessible by foot. We can relax and enjoy one of the most stunning expanses of white beach in the Galapagos - home to hundreds of prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Time permitting; we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station with its collection of giant tortoises from all of the Islands. This was where the famous Lonesome George resided after being found. He was the last remaining giant tortoise from the Island of Pinta. Unfortunately, Lonesome George passed away in May 2012. Here we will learn what scientists from around the world are doing, together with the Galápagos National Park and Marine Preserve, to keep “The Enchanted Isles” pristine and ecologically viable.

Day 8: Today we board a small boat for the day. We go to North Seymour. We may focus will be on birds; where they court, mate, build nests, lay eggs, and then rear their chicks. It is a bevy of activity. This excursion includes a stop and stroll at Las Bachas Beach where one might see flamingos in the lagoons and sea turtles just off the beach. This is where we will have the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters.

Day 9: After breakfast at our hotel, we must depart for the airport, bid farewell to our Island Paradise. We fly to Quito in the Highlands and go directly from the airport to the spectacular Bellavista Cloud Forest. This area is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. It is a 2,000 acre reserve at elevation ranging from 4,600 and 8.500 feet with steep slopes and an abundance of epiphytes, bromeliads, orchids and birds. The owners are recognized as pioneers in sustainable ecotourism in the region. This is a birding paradise: Tanager-Finch, Giant Antpitta, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet, and 8-14 species of hummingbirds. The cloud forest is a different type of rain forest, a mysterious enchanted forest with a much more benign climate than the Amazon Basin, and no malaria. We stay overnight here.

Day 10: Today we spend the entire day at Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, where we will enjoy a guided bird walk as well as do some hikes in the area. We may hike to Hidden Falls, and enjoy the sites along the way. We will enjoy the excellent home-cooked Ecuadorian and international food, the beautiful views and the serenity of the small resort nestled in the mountains. We are here again tonight.

Day 11: After a morning hike in the cloud forest among the birds, flora and fauna, we have lunch then depart our little paradise. On our way to Quito, we head for “Mitad del Mundo” (middle of the Earth), where we will stand on the equator. We visit a small museum that encourages you to participate in different experiments to prove you are standing on the actual equator line. Dinner will be in Quito, where we overnight.

Day 12: Today we will have a tour of colonial Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a World Heritage site. We visit several of the well-known cathedrals, one laced in gold! The afternoon will be free. You can visit the local Artesian Market for the famous Ecuadorian handcraft, or a museum. Our farewell dinner will be at a local restaurant in Quito.

Day 13: We bid goodbye to this wonderfully diverse country and its people, at least for now. Transportation to the Quito airport is provided. Soon, we will to return to our “real world” and normal lives, much richer than when we arrived.

Important note: Occasionally, changes may occur in the trip to assure the safety and enjoyment of the entire group—either in advance or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every attempt to stay within this itinerary. However, if weather, equipment, Galápagos National Park directives, or any other condition causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety of the group is our number one concern. While wildlife in the Galápagos is tremendous, we cannot guarantee that you will see all species listed as examples.

Getting There

Please note, the trip starts in Guayaquil and ends in Quito. Please be sure to make your airline reservations with different start and end cities.

You need to arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on or before day one. Our trip ends in Quito, Ecuador. Many airlines fly to both cities and allow “round trip” excursions into one city and out of the other. Contact the leader before making your final arrangements. The flight to and from the Galápagos Islands is included in the trip price. Tickets for this flight will be issued to you at the airport when you leave for the islands.  The flight within the Galápagos Islands is also included. 

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the ending date of this trip. If you don't have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Although this is not a luxury trip, we will stay in charming, locally owned modern hotels. Rooms are double-occupancy most of the ttime; if you come alone we'll arrange for a roommate of the same sex. In San Cristobal the hotel accommodations are sparse and so we may have to stay in triple and/or quadruple rooms. We travel by air, comfortable buses, and fast boats. The food will be delicious—a mix of local and continental dishes, with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians are welcome.

All meals and lodgings are provided. Breakfast on day 2 will be our first meal. Breakfast on day 14 will be the last meal included in the trip price. If you chose to have any meals at different restaurants, that cost will not be covered.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is suitable for people who are in good health, get regular exercise, enjoy nature, and have a good-humored approach to traveling abroad—where things might not go as predictably as they do at home.  Our trip is not strenuous; it can be considered leisurely-to-moderate most days.  Hikes will be limited to a few miles. Overall elevation gains and losses will be minimal, though some trails are steep in spots and not always a smooth surface.  The pace is slow since we often stop to observe wildlife or listen to our guide explain the history, the geology, or the ecology.  Some species will require short hikes to view them. The elevation at Quito is 9,400 feet. The minimum age for this trip is 12.

Although we will be traveling just at the beginning of the dry season, rain can fall at any time and will not restrict our movements or our enjoyment of the Islands.  It is always a good idea to carry rain gear and an umbrella.  It will not be cold except in Quito.  Quito is one of those places (because of its high elevation but near the equator) where if you walk in the sun, it is warm, but in the shade, it is cool.  At night, it can be cool and you will need a sweater or jacket.

Equipment and Clothing

No special equipment is needed. However, binoculars and a camera are highly recommended. We do have opportunities for snorkeling; gear (mask, fins, and snorkel) is not provided, but can be rented.  To assure the best fit, you can bring your own.  Some type of light wet suit will help with comfort and warmth while snorkeling, and is not provided but can be rented.  In general, casual clothing for warm-weather hiking and boating between the islands is the recommended dress.  Your leader will provide a comprehensive packing list well in advance of the trip.

The leader will carry a first aid kit for emergency use. You should provide your own personal first aid kit for minor needs such as bandages, moleskin, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. You should consult your physician for recommended current immunizations. 

References

• Moore, Yui DeRoy, Galapagos Islands Lost in Time. Penguin Books.
• Brower, K., Galapagos: The Flow of Wildness. Sierra Club/Ballantine Books.
• Darwin, Charles, The Voyage of the Beagle. Doubleday Books.
• Darwin, Charles, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
• Harris, M., Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos. Taplinger Books.
• Schichor, Michael, Michael's Guide to Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela. Inbal Travel Ltd.
• Rachowiecki, Rob, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: A Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet Books.
• Jackson, Michael H., Galapagos: A Natural History Guide. This is the best general guide to the history, geology, and plant and animal life of the islands.
• Melville, Herman, The Piazza Tales. Darwin wasn't the only one to find inspiration in the Galápagos. During the whaling era, Herman Melville made landfall here, and he perpetuated the sailor's nickname: Los Encantadas or "the Enchanted Islands." Melville delivers a metaphor-rich, almost hallucinatory account of the archipelago's history, filled with misstatements, speculation, and poetry.

Conservation

The Sierra Club is an environmental organization concerned about conservation and sustainability, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers, aided by a salaried staff, with grassroots involvement. On this trip, we'll have the opportunity to see the effects of real conservation in a country committed to protecting, rather than exploiting, its natural resources.  You will be able to see first-hand the effect of invasive species.  And you will learn how the boat Jessica that was carrying oil grounded and almost caused an oil spill disaster.  We will learn about Galápagos conservation issues and how those issues are related to environmental concerns in our own neighborhood, region, and nation.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.